Garrett Inaugurates Wuhan Innovation Center to Advance Zero-Emission Mobility
Rhea-AI Summary
Garrett Motion (NASDAQ: GTX) has inaugurated its second innovation center in China, located at its Wuhan Plant. The new facility strengthens the company's zero-emission R&D capabilities, forming a dual innovation hub alongside its Shanghai R&D Center.
The Wuhan Innovation Center will focus on developing zero-emission technologies, including high-speed E-Powertrain systems that reduce system size and weight by up to 40% while cutting critical materials usage by ~30%. The facility has already achieved a significant milestone with its first series production order from HanDe for heavy-duty trucks.
Building on 20 years of innovation in China, Garrett's expansion demonstrates its commitment to advancing zero-emission mobility solutions, including 3-in-1 E-Powertrain systems, E-Cooling refrigerant compressors, and fuel cell compressors for both automotive and industrial applications.
Positive
- Strategic expansion of R&D capabilities with second innovation center in China
- E-Powertrain technology reduces system size and weight by 40% and critical materials by 30%
- Secured first series production order with HanDe for heavy-duty trucks
- Integration of R&D and manufacturing capabilities to accelerate commercialization
Negative
- None.
Insights
Garrett strengthens zero-emission R&D with strategic second innovation center in China, advancing electrification capabilities in world's largest EV market.
Garrett Motion's new Wuhan Innovation Center represents a strategic expansion of its R&D capabilities specifically targeting zero-emission technologies in China - the world's largest and fastest-growing electric vehicle market. This facility complements their existing Shanghai center to create a dual innovation hub approach that significantly strengthens their position in electrification.
The center's focus on high-speed E-Powertrain systems is particularly noteworthy. Their integrated 3-in-1 system (motor, inverter, gearbox) achieves 40% size/weight reduction and 30% less critical materials while supporting both 400V and 800V architectures. This addresses key industry challenges around efficiency, weight, and raw material constraints in electrification.
Most importantly, Garrett has already secured a commercial production contract with HanDe for heavy-duty trucks, demonstrating tangible market validation beyond mere R&D promises. This confirms real-world commercial applications for their technology.
The expansion reflects Garrett's strategic shift from its traditional turbocharger business toward diversified zero-emission technologies including fuel cell compressors and E-Cooling systems. By physically locating R&D alongside manufacturing in China, Garrett accelerates its "East for East" strategy - developing technologies specifically for Chinese OEMs while positioning to support their global expansion ambitions.
This investment signals Garrett's long-term commitment to transitioning its business model toward electrification while leveraging its core competencies in high-speed motors, power electronics, and thermal management to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
- Garrett opens second innovation center in China to expand zero-emission R&D capabilities
- New Wuhan lab prioritizes high-speed E-Powertrain systems for zero-emission applications
- Wuhan and Shanghai now form dual innovation hubs driving global collaboration
WUHAN, China, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Garrett Motion Inc. (NASDAQ: GTX), a global leader in differentiated automotive technologies, today inaugurated its new Wuhan Innovation Center. Located within Garrett’s Wuhan Plant, the facility strengthens the company’s global and China-based zero-emission R&D footprint. As Garrett’s second innovation hub in China, it joins the Shanghai R&D Center to form a powerful “dual innovation engine” advancing motion in every form - from turbocharging leadership to zero-emission differentiated solutions across mobility and beyond.
“The launch of our Wuhan Innovation Center marks a bold step forward in Garrett’s electrification journey," said Olivier Rabiller, President and CEO of Garrett Motion. "We are scaling our zero-emission capabilities where innovation is happening fastest—right here in China. This new hub strengthens our global technology engine and reinforces Garrett’s position as a differentiated technology provider in decarbonizing mobility and industry alike.”
Mr. Li Feng, Chief Inspector of Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, attended the event and commented: “Automotive is one of Wuhan’s most dynamic industries, and we are pleased to see a global leader like Garrett deepen its presence here. The new Innovation Center marks an important step in Wuhan’s ongoing efforts to promote high-level openness and industrial development, and it strengthens our role as a national hub for science and technology.”
20 Years of Innovation in China: Accelerating Local R&D Expansion
For 70 years, Garrett has advanced mobility technologies around the world, developing numerous industry-first technologies—from variable geometry turbines to air-bearing compressors for hydrogen fuel cells.
In China, Garrett has built two decades of innovation since establishing its Shanghai R&D Center in 2005. The company has developed and industrialized a range of China-specific solutions such as:
- Gasoline Variable Nozzle Turbine (VNT) turbos to boost thermal efficiency, improving fuel efficiency.
- Wastegate turbochargers optimized for PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) and REEVs (Range-Extended Electric Vehicles) increasing range while optimizing CO2 emissions.
- Hydrogen fuel cell compressors serving both LV (Light Vehicle) and CV (Commercial Vehicle) customers.
These innovations not only support Chinese OEMs locally but also help them expand business globally.
With the launch of the Wuhan Innovation Center, Garrett enters a new phase—reinforcing long-term investment in China and expanding its innovation footprint in zero-emission mobility and beyond.
Driving Zero-Emission Innovation Across Mobility and Beyond
As electrification accelerates across the automotive sector, Garrett is scaling its portfolio of zero-emission technologies. Leveraging core strengths in high-speed motors, power electronics, controls software, oil-less bearings, and system integration, Garrett is advancing solutions including:
- 3-in-1 E-Powertrain systems;
- E-Cooling refrigerant compressors;
- Established fuel cell compressors.
The company’s high-speed, high-power density E-Powertrain integrates an electric motor, inverter, and gearbox—reducing system size and weight by up to
The Wuhan Innovation Center is focused on accelerating development of these zero-emission systems. Inverter testing is already operational, with further expansions planned to cover full power electronics validation—including compressors for fuel cells and e-cooling systems—supporting both automotive and industrial decarbonization.
A Strategic Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
"The Wuhan Innovation Center is a clear embodiment of Garrett's 'East for East' strategy," said Jessica Zhang, Vice President and General Manager, Garrett China. "By integrating R&D and manufacturing capabilities in China, we are accelerating the commercialization of zero-emission technologies—from prototype through testing to production."
The new Center also serves as a collaboration platform—attracting cross-disciplinary talent and forging partnerships with academic institutions, research bodies, and industry players to fuel the next wave of innovation.
About Garrett Motion Inc.
A differentiated technology leader, Garrett Motion has a 70-year history of innovation in the automotive sector (cars, trucks) and beyond (off-highway equipment, marine, power generators). Its expertise in turbocharging has enabled significant reductions in engine size, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. Garrett is expanding its positive impact by developing differentiated technology solutions for Zero Emission Vehicles, such as fuel cell compressors for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, as well as electric propulsion and thermal management systems for battery electric vehicles. Garrett has now six R&D centers, 13 manufacturing facilities and a team of more than 9,000 employees in more than 20 countries. Its mission is to enable the transportation industry to advance motion through unique, differentiated innovation. For more information, please visit www.garrettmotion.com.
About Garrett Motion China
Garrett established its presence in China in 1994 and was among the first global companies to introduce turbocharging technology into the country. Headquartered in Shanghai, Garrett has two world-class, advanced manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Wuhan, as well as 2 innovation centers. The company employs more than 1,000 people, including a China R&D team of over 200 specialists with end-to-end engineering and service capabilities. Garrett boasts lasting partnerships with more than 30 global and Chinese automakers. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of turbocharging technology for gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and zero emission technology for battery electric vehicles in automotive sector and beyond.
CONTACTS:
| Global Media | Investor Relations |
| Amanda Jones | Cyril Grandjean |
| amanda.jones@garrettmotion.com | investorrelations@garrettmotion.com |
| Cell. +41 79 601 07 87 | Cell. +1 734 392 5504 |
| CHINA Media |
| Yang Hu |
| yang.hu1@garrettmotion.com |
| Cell. +86 189 1760 6610 |
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c4e0510-f3ac-4f3a-bbdb-000ee34f97ee
FAQ
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